Southern Ohio Advocacy Group

Southern Ohio Advocacy Group is a committee of the Southern Ohio Council of Governments that promotes advocacy efforts and encourages people with disabilities to speak up for themselves. The members are made up of people with disabilities, family members, private providers and natural supports. Ohio counties that are represented in the group include: Adams, Brown, Clinton, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, and Scioto.

Committee Information

Advisors:
Naman Stapleton (Adams County)
Charissa Gardner (Adams County)
Nathan Boatman (Fayette and Highland Counties)
Jordan Olivares (Pickaway County)
Lakiem Lockery (Pike County)
Christopher Cooley (Scioto County)

Co-Facilitator: Kelli Gothard – SOCOG, kgothard@socog.org
Co-Facilitator: Travis Dresbach – SOCOG, Pickaway County, tdresbach@pickawaydd.org

2026 MEETING DATES:

MEETINGS WILL BE FROM 11AM-12:30Pm - see login instructions below for virtual meetings - location for meetings varies (see below for locations)

In-person & zoom: January 20 - (Guest Speaker: Molly Carroll from Safe in Home)
Location: Ross County Library Annex
In-person & zoom: February 17 - Guest Speaker, Bill Adams
Location: Ross County Library Annex
In-person & zoom: March 17 - Topic: County Fair Projects, Heather Giles speaker
Location: Advancing Abilities, 56 Maple Lane, Chillicothe
In-person & zoom: April 21
Location: Advancing Abilities, 56 Maple Lane, Chillicothe
In-person & zoom: May 19
Location: To be announced
In-person only: June 16 - "On the Road" at Scioto County's Summer Kick-Off 2
Location: To be announced
In-person & zoom: July 21
Gallia County:
In-person & zoom: August 18
Location: To be announced
In-person only: September 22
Location: To be announced
In-person & zoom: October 20 - Jackson County's Halloween Spooktacular
Jackson County: Canter's Cave
In-person & zoom: November 17
Location: To be announced
In-person: December 15 - Holiday Party
Location: To be announced

ZOOM MEETING LOGIN - this login is to be used until further notice

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87250551628?pwd=aFRZTHRtbGxiL010aGRQTmdvTFVpZz09

Meeting ID: 872 5055 1628
Passcode: 438986

Resources

Stable Account: https://www.stableaccount.com/
Project STIR: https://www.osdaohio.org/project-stir/

Small Envelope Makes Big Difference

Advocacy Group Brings Safety Initiative to Ohio Roadways

Flashing lights approaching behind your vehicle give all of us a little jolt of anxiety – no matter the situation. Imagine that anxiety amplified knowing that your ability to communicate with officers may be hindered by your disability. Thousands of drivers throughout Ohio know this feeling – and a simple blue envelope can help.

The Southern Ohio Council of Governments (SOCOG) is pleased to announce the launch of the Blue Envelope Program across the state of Ohio. The program uses communication tools to assist individuals with developmental disabilities during interactions with law enforcement and emergency personnel.